Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of spirited charm, then this Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Combining the comforting heartiness of Italian sausage with a lively mix of bell peppers, garlic, and fresh basil, all brought together with a splash of white wine, this dish offers that perfect blend of rustic, zestful, and oh-so-satisfying flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to fall in love with a pasta recipe that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, layered tastes and appealing colors that make this dish so memorable.

• 1 pound spaghetti: The classic Italian pasta holds all the flavors beautifully while maintaining a perfect al dente bite.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps caramelize the sausage and vegetables for extra depth.
• 1 pound Italian sausage: Provides the hearty, savory foundation and a wonderful meaty texture.
• 1 onion, thinly sliced: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity when cooked down.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds bright color and a slightly sweet crunch.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Balances the red pepper’s sweetness with a gentle tang and vibrant hue.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable punch of Italian flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives just the right kick of heat without overpowering the other tastes.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with fresh acidity and juicy sweetness to brighten the sauce.
• 1/2 cup white wine: The “drunken” part of the recipe—this lifts the sauce with subtle fruity and aromatic notes.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds an herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to highlight all the flavors perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A salty, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will be the base where the wonderful flavors come together, so getting it hot is essential for those perfect browned bits in the sausage.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the skillet heats, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente—a little firmness makes for the best texture. Drain it well and set it aside, ready to soak up all the goodness from the sauce later.

Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage

Add the olive oil to your hot skillet and place the Italian sausage in, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until it turns a lovely golden brown, releasing all those juicy flavors and savory oils into the pan.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in your sliced onion along with the red and yellow bell peppers. Let them cook until just softened, giving a perfect balance of sweetness and softness that complements the meatiness of the sausage.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Pepper Flakes

Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for one more minute so their aroma fills your kitchen, and that slight heat begins to build in the dish.

Step 6: Introduce Cherry Tomatoes

Now it’s time for the cherry tomatoes to join. Let them cook down briefly to release their natural juices, which will mingle with all the other ingredients wonderfully.

Step 7: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze your skillet. This step lifts all the caramelized bits from the bottom, infusing the sauce with a subtle fruitiness and depth that makes this Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe so special.

Step 8: Combine with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing everything together well so that every noodle is coated with that delicious sauce and loaded with sausage and veggies.

Step 9: Season and Finish

Season the whole skillet generously with salt and pepper to taste—this simple step is what will truly make the flavors shine.

Step 10: Toss in Fresh Basil

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil all over your noodles and give one final toss. The basil’s fragrance will add a vibrant freshness that brightens the dish perfectly.

Step 11: Serve with Parmesan

Dish out your Italian Drunken Noodles hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. That salty, nutty layer completes the meal beautifully.

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your plate with some extra fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. A few red pepper flakes on top can add a nice pop if you love spice, and a grind of fresh black pepper never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty Italian bread to mop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe in individual pasta bowls, layering the sausage mixture on top of the noodles instead of mixing. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a light splash of balsamic glaze for an unexpected pop of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Drunken Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While freezing spaghetti dishes with fresh basil and Parmesan isn’t always ideal, you can freeze the sausage and vegetable mixture separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat before tossing with fresh pasta.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers gently, microwave them covered for short intervals or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. Adding a handful of fresh basil after reheating will refresh those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works perfectly, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.

What type of white wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal because it adds bright acidity without overpowering the other ingredients.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

You can chop the vegetables and cook the sausage mixture ahead of time, then simply toss it with freshly cooked pasta right before serving for a quick meal.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a moderate heat that can easily be adjusted or omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe is a delightful passion project for anyone who loves pasta with a twist—combining robust sausage, fresh veggies, and that lovely touch of white wine makes for a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to recipes that feels both special and comforting every single time.

Print